August First bakery plans expansion

In this photo August First, a cafe and bakery on South Champlain Street in Burlington, illustrates the new building that will house its planned expansion. The building at the corner of Main and South Champlain streets was most recently occupied by the restaurant Pistou.
(Photo:
Courtesy August First
)

August First, a cafe and bakery on South Champlain Street in Burlington, announced Tuesday that it will expand to the restaurant space on the corner of Main and South Champlain streets. Most recently, a restaurant called Pistou occupied that corner building.

August First, which opened five years ago, will move its bakery production to the new space, co-owner Jodi Whalen said. She runs the business with her husband, Phil Merrick.

By taking over the corner location, August First will be able to expand both its bakery production — breads and pastries — and the savory foods it serves for breakfast and lunch at its cafe, Whalen said.

The renovation involves changing an existing restaurant to a production bakery, one with counter service for purchasing bread, pastries and coffee. (Those items will remain for sale at the nearby restaurant.) The bakery will likely have grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, Whalen said.

"There will be a bigger selection of everything," she said. "And also more convenience when it comes to the speed."

August First has plans to sell its bread ovens and purchase a French bread oven that will operate with greater efficiency, baking more bread in less time, Whalen said.

The expected time frame calls for renovations to be complete by the end of the year. August First will remain open through the renovation and expansion.